Do you have a dog that started chewing on wood? If so, you’re not alone. Many dogs enjoy eating wood, and it can be a difficult problem to stop. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why dogs chew wood and the dangers it poses to a dog’s health. We will also provide tips on how to stop your dog from chewing wood.
Table of Contents
Chewing Behavior Of Dogs
Dog chewing wood is a natural behavior. It’s how they explore their world and relieve boredom or stress. However, when dogs chew on wood trims, it can lead to serious health problems.
This bad habit of dogs chewing wood trims is called pica. When dogs consume non-food items like wood, it can cause blockages or perforations in their digestive system. This can lead to life-threatening conditions and require emergency surgery to remove the foreign object from their stomach or intestinal tract.
- 5X MAX STRENGTH FORMULA - THE MOST POWERFUL BITTER DETERRENT ON THE MARKET. The extreme bitter taste pets hate, LONG-LASTING - ALCOHOL-FREE...
- TRAINING AID: No need to yell or swat your pet, simply spray surface and walk way! Our furry family members, especially puppies, need positive...
- 100% NON-TOXIC, SAFE, STING FREE Does NOT CONTAIN Tea Tree Oil - Beware - many products contain tea tree oil which has been proven to be harmful...
Pica can also be a sign of other underlying health problems such as nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal disorders, or psychological disorders. If your dog is exhibiting pica behavior, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up and to rule out any underlying health problems.
Reasons Why Dogs Chew Wood
The reasons why your dog may chew on wood can vary, but it is important to figure out the answer. This will help you deal with this issue more effectively in future interactions!
Teething And Dental Issues
Teething is a common reason for dogs to chew on wood.
At four to 30 weeks, puppies’ baby teeth start to grow very quickly, and the process can be very painful for them. When puppies are teething, they often chew on objects to help relieve the pain and pressure in their gums.
This could be the main reason why you saw some ugly baby teeth marks on the wood trim.
If your dog is older and has dental problems, they may also chew on objects to relieve discomfort.
Boredom
The most common reason for this dog’s behavior is boredom. Dogs can become bored easily, especially if they’re left alone for long periods. Bored dogs need an outlet for their energy, and destructive chewing is a great way to do that.
So, if your dog is bored, try giving them more attention and dog toys to keep them occupied.
Fear/ Anxiety
Most dogs chew on wood out of fear or anxiety. If your dog is anxious, they may chew on objects as a way to self-soothe and calm their nerves. Fearful dogs may also chew on objects as a way to escape their environment.
Dogs can also chew on wood out of anxiety or stress. This may be due to Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD), which is when dogs become anxious when they’re away from their owner. If your dog has SAD, they may chew on objects as a way to cope with their anxiety.
Breed Instinct
Most dogs may chew on wood due to their breed instinct. For example, dogs that were bred to hunt or retrieve often have a strong urge to carry objects in their mouth. This instinct can lead them to chew on sticks, bones, and other objects, including wood.
A great way for dogs to pass the time and have fun is to chew on things. Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, but it can become a problem when they chew on the wrong things.
- POWERED BY ADAPTIL: Recommended by thousands of vets and scientifically studied and verified for over 20 years.
- FROM THE MAKERS OF THUNDERSHIRT: The most trusted brand for reducing dog anxiety - you can trust ThunderWorks for affordable, effective,...
- STOP PROBLEM BARKING, destructive chewing, trembling, fear of loud noises, separation anxiety, and many other "not-so-fun" symptoms your dog may...
Condition Called Pica
Some animals like to eat things that aren’t food, like rocks, wood, plastic, strings, rubber bands, and more. This is called pica, and it’s when an animal keeps chewing and eating things that don’t have any nutritional value for it.
Pica is an underlying health condition that can cause dogs to chew on wood. Pica can be caused by several, including nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal disorders, and psychological disorders.
If your dog is exhibiting pica behavior, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up and to rule out any underlying health problems.
Neurosensory exploration is what puppies do when they play with and eat all kinds of things. Most puppies grow out of it. But some dogs are always hungry.
Dogs Can Get Sick If They Eat Non-Food Items.
- Ulcers
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Breath that stinks
- Straining or not being able to defecate
- The stools are black and smelly.
- Burping
- Drooling
- In the abdomen, there is pain
- A blockage in the intestines
- Choking
- Ear-sneezes and coughs (if an object blocks the respiratory tract)
- Infection, especially if things are dirty or contaminated, can happen (feces, for example)
- Poisoning, depending on what substances are on the things (household cleaner or medication bottles, for instance)
Discovery
Dogs are curious by nature and like to explore their environment. When dogs smell or see something new, they often want to investigate it by putting it in their mouth. This can lead them to inappropriate chewing on objects, including wood.
Anger
An adult dog chews on wood out of anger or frustration. If your dog is angry, they may bite or do inappropriate chewing on objects as a way to release their aggression.
Dogs may also chew on wood as a way to relieve stress. Just like people, dogs can get stressed out by their environment, and they may turn to chewing as a way to cope with their stress.
Habit
Finally, dogs eating wood do it simply out of habit. If your dog has been chewing on wood since they were a puppy, it can become a lifelong habit.
Puppy chewing on wood out of boredom, but it can become a lifelong habit.
The Dangers Of Dogs Chewing Wood
While chewing on wood may seem like harmless fun for your dog, it can be dangerous.
Damage Your Dog’s Teeth and Cause Gastrointestinal Problems.
Dogs that chew on wood are at risk for developing tooth fracture, gum disease, and other dental problems. This chewing behavior can also lead to stomach upset and other gastrointestinal problems.
You may take your dogs to the veterinary when you observe the following:
- Bleeding from the mouth, such as from the gums or tongue, can happen.
- Labored breathing
- Blood is found in the stool.
- Mood swings or other signs of pain that have no clear cause.
- Loss of appetite
Chemical Poisoning
Dogs may also be at risk for chemical poisoning if they chew on treated wood. Treated wood is often treated with chemicals that are toxic to dogs, and these chemicals can be absorbed into your dog’s system if they chew on the wood.
Some of the chemicals applied on furniture are arsenic. If dogs lick or chew on this, it can lead to poisoning.
- Nylon dog toy provides safer alternative to real sticks, satisfies the natural urge to chew.
- Real-looking bone shape makes it easy for you pet to recognize, creats positive association with toys for dogs and reduces their anxiety and...
- Built to withstand hours of playtime, safe non-toxic, tough and durable.
Common Signs Of Arsenic Poisoning In Dogs.
- While standing or walking, your dogs may not be stable.
- Severe stomach pain.
- Sensitivity to touch or pain makes people angry.
- When you don’t know what is going on.
Choking Hazards
Dogs may choke on small pieces of wood that they break off while chewing. Dogs should always be supervised when they’re chewing on objects, and small pieces of wood should be removed from the environment to prevent choking hazards.
Physical Injury
Dogs may also suffer physical injuries, such as cuts and punctures, from chewing on sharp pieces of wood. These injuries can be serious and may require medical attention.
Toxicity
As mentioned before, dogs may be at risk for chemical poisoning if they chew on treated wood. Treated wood is often treated with chemicals that are toxic to dogs, and these chemicals can be absorbed into your dog’s system if they chew on the wood.
There is also pine that is toxic to dogs. An example of this is the sap of the yew tree, which can be poisonous to dogs.
When dogs chew furniture made of these trees can cause them to vomit, have diarrhea, collapse, and even die.
Tips For Preventing Dogs From Destructive Chewing Wood
The best way to prevent your dog from munching wood is to provide them with plenty of appropriate pet accessories like toys and to supervise them when they’re chewing.
Chew Toys
As with any behavior, the best way to stop dogs from chewing wooden furniture is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Be sure to provide your dog with plenty of appropriate chew toys and supervise them when they’re chewing.
There are a variety of toys available that can help dogs satisfy their natural urge to chew. Chew toys come in all shapes and sizes, and you can find ones that are specifically designed for heavy chewers. Be sure to choose a toy that is the right size for your dog and that is made from durable materials.
When purchasing chew toys look for a label that says the product is “safe for dogs” or “nontoxic.” Also, look for dog chewing deterrents with bitter apple spray to stop your pet from destroying your stuff.
You can also give your puppy a rawhide chews, which are made from cow or bull hide. Chews toys come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be flavored such as lemon juice to make them more appealing to dogs . Just be sure to choose something that is the right size for your puppy and that is made by a reputable manufacturer.
Provide Other Entertainment.
Dogs may chew on wood out of boredom, so it’s important to provide them with plenty of other entertainment and mental stimulation activities. This can include walks, playtime, and training.
Some of the physical and mental stimulation activities you can do with your dogs are the following:
- Tug-of-war
- Fetch
- Run back and forth using a noisemaker
- Hide and seek
- Agility training
Be sure to spend plenty of time with your dog every day, and provide them with a variety of toys that will keep them entertained.
- INDESTRUCTIBLE DOG TOYS FOR AGGRESSIVE CHEWERS - This dog chew toy is made of non-toxic and eco-friendly food natural rubber, which is solid...
- DOG TEETH CLEANING - The Chewing is a natural behavior of dogs, we don't need to stop it, you can use our interactive dog toys to train your...
- SQUEAKY DOG TOYS - One whistles are built at the center of the dog toys to better attract dogs and increase their interest in playing. At the...
Clear The Yard of Sticks And Stray Branches.
If your dog is chewing on sticks because they’re bored, it may help to clear the yard of all the sticks and other stray branches. This will remove the temptation for your dog to chew on something that they shouldn’t.
Don’t Encourage The Behavior.
If your dog chews on table legs or other furniture, don’t encourage this destructive behavior by giving them attention. This includes scolding them or rewarding them with treats. Instead, ignore the behavior and provide them with plenty of chew toys.
To make sure your dog picks the right thing, control their choices. Put away as much as you can to avoid temptation.
As an example, put your shoes in a closet and your remotes in a drawer. For other things, keep them out of reach or make them less appealing. Bitter sprays may keep your dog away from you.
Bitter apple spray or deterrent spray made of bitter apple or apple cider vinegar may be used to provide negative reinforcement to your furry friend.
Spray the baseboards, furniture, or other things that can’t be moved with the anti-chew spray every day for three or four weeks. Even if you’re using that time to start new habits, that should be enough time to break the habit of your older dog.
Keep Them Active.
Dogs that are bored or have pent-up energy are more likely to on your wooden furniture. Be sure to keep them active with walks, playtime, and training. By providing your dog with plenty of exercises, you’ll help them stay happy and healthy – and less likely to munch on wood.
The best way to prevent your dog from munching wood is to provide them with an appropriate chew toy and to supervise them when they’re chewing. Chew toys come in all shapes and sizes. Just visit any local pet store and you can find ones that are specifically designed for heavy chewers.
It’s also important for dog owners to supervise their dogs when they’re chewing, especially if they’re new to chewing toys. This will help you ensure that they’re using the toy correctly and not swallowing any large pieces.
Diagnosed Compulsive Behavior
If your puppies chew on your wooden furniture for a long period, it’s important to have them evaluated by a veterinarian. They may be diagnosed with a compulsive behavior and require medication to help them stop.
Compulsive behaviors can be difficult to change, but with patience and persistence, you can help your dog overcome this problem. A vet chat for a professional and legal opinion about the best way to proceed may be useful for you and your pet dog.
You may also use a pet camera to check and monitor your pet’s behavior and see what triggers your dog to chew and what encourages them as well to stop chewing
Apply Behavior Change Training.
A strong “No” is a good way to start training your dog. When you see him started chewing on the cozy corner of the staircase or the table leg, say “No.” Make sure you don’t punish or chase your dog when it start chewing on your wood furniture.
After you say “No,” give him tasty treat, hugs, or praise when he stops, but only after you say “No.” This will help him connect the two. Do this over and over again until your dog learns that chewing won’t get him any treats.
Make Sure They Have Enough Food and Water.
A puppy munch on wood when they are starving or dehydrated. So make sure he has enough food and water. A good rule of thumb is to feed him twice a day and keep his water bowl full.
If you think your dog may be dehydrated, take him to the vet to get checked out. Dehydration can be dangerous, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Crate Train Your Dogs
Crate training your dogs will help with chewing problems. Dogs like small spaces because it makes them feel safe. When they’re in a crate, they won’t be able to chew on wood or anything else they’re not supposed to.
Make sure to get your dog’s size. The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in, but not so big that he can use one side as a bathroom.
You should also put something in the crate that he can chew on, like a Kong toy filled with peanut butter. This will help keep him occupied and prevent him from getting bored.
The Bottom Line
Dogs chew on wood for a variety of reasons, including boredom, stress, curiosity, and habit. Chewing on wood can be dangerous for dogs and can lead to problems like tooth damage, gastrointestinal issues, and chemical poisoning.
Pet owners can prevent their dogs from munching wood by providing them with plenty of appropriate chew toys and supervising them when they’re chewing. You should also provide other forms of entertainment for your dog to prevent boredom. Finally, you can remove temptation by clearing the yard of sticks and other pieces of wood.
If your dog chews on wood for a long time, it’s important to have them evaluated by a veterinarian for professional advice. Impulsive behaviors can be difficult to change, but with patience and persistence, you can help your dog overcome this problem.
By following these tips, many dog owners can help prevent their dogs from chewing on wood – and keep them safe from the dangers that come with it.